Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Johnston

Betty has moved on to new adventures. On Tuesday, October 29, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Johnston, née Howlett, went to join her family members who have gone ahead, leaving many who will sorely miss her wisdom, strong spirit, and comforting touch. She was the most positive person; an independent, adventurous soul; spiritual, but not religious; honest and long-suffering; and generous to a fault. Betty had a magic touch and was a well-known healer and confidant to many. People would travel from near and far to be treated at her clinic on her farm in Milestone, SK, that she operated out of for the better part of a half-century. She remained productive and relevant, and had loyal patients, whom she continued to counsel and treat even into her 100^th year! Born in Lambeth, ON, on February 24, 1918, second child of Percy and Clara Howlett, née Loveless, she moved with her four siblings to homestead on the outskirts of Lang, SK. Her pioneering spirit endured through the “Dirty Thirties” marrying Gordon Willard (Bill) Johnston in 1943. Together they brought two children into the world. Through innovation and perseverance she created a stable, welcoming home that hosted the whole countryside. Betty was always young at heart, with an outdoor spirit. She supported her extended family through thick and thin, and held onto all of her marbles until the end! Predeceased by her parents; her only daughter, BeeAnn; the father of BeeAnn’s children, Tom; her husband, Bill; and all of her siblings. Betty soldiered on to the age of 101, brave to the end.  She made the best of opportunities, traveled and explored continuously, was resilient under duress, and was always courageous and cheerful. She is deeply missed by her son, Terry (Bettina, and mother of his children, Elaine); and her 7 grandchildren as follows. From BeeAnn’s side: Callie (Jason plus 4), Shellan (Clinton plus 1 and a 1/2), Ed (Jessie), and Bill (Toriann plus 1). From Terry’s side: Janna (Duane plus 3), Amy (Brandon plus 2), and Jared (Rebecca). We will all miss and love you forever, Betty. A service in will be held in the new year.